Car Profiles - Dodge Durango

DODGE DURANGO

Reappearance may mean a bad thing, but it was the opposite for the Durango and that was for the good. Since it carries a unibody construction, handling and refinement is similar to a car and it has a roomy third row but don't forget the towing capacity. It may be heavy plus the touch screen radio is somewhat complicated, but a great comeback.

The Good: Car like refinement with great towing capability

The Bad: Heavy

Price Range: P3,880,000

Our Rating: ***

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	Citadel
Price	P3,880,000
Warranty	3 Years or 100,000kms
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	Pentastar 3.6 DOHC 24V V6
Horsepower	280hp @ 6,400rpm
Torque	352Nm @ 4,800rpm
Fuel Type	Gasoline/95 Octane
Fuel System	VVT-I
Transmission	5-Speed Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	93 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	5,075mm
Width	1,925mm
Height	1,801mm
Wheelbase	3,045mm
Curb Weight	2,225kg
Body Style	5 Door SUV
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/All Wheel Drive
Seating	7
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	Short and Long Arm
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link
Front Brakes	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes	Solid Disc
Tires	265/50 R20
Wheels	20 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags	7
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Traction/Stability Control	Yes, Electronic Stability Control
Other Safety Features	LATCH Child Seat Anchors, Active Head Restraints, Accident Response System, Hill Start Assist, Rain Brake Support, Trailer Sway Damping, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go Function, Blind Sport Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection, Forward Collision Warning
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Standard
Other Exterior Features	Automatic Self-Levelling HID Headlamps, High Beam Assist, Chrome Side Mirrors with Memory, Rear Camera, Sunroof, Remote Start
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic
Steering Wheel Material	Leather
Seating Adjustment	Power, Driver and Passenger
Seating Material	Leather
Other Interior Features	Illuminated Entry, 6.5-inch UConnect touch screen with Voice Command, Hard Drive, Navigation, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Front Seat Heater and Cooler, Rear Seat Heater, Steering Wheel Heater, Illuminated Cupholders, Rear USB Ports, Power Outlets, Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Fold and Heat, Tailgate
Climate Control	Automatic, Dual
Audio System	Chrysler UConnect 6.5-inch touchscreen with AM/FM/AUX/USB/CD/DVD/MP3 with Hard Drive, Bluetooth, and Navigation
Speakers	9 + Subwoofer
Steering Wheel Controls	Yes, Audio, Cruise Control, and Telephone
Alarm	Yes
Keyless Entry	Yes, Smart Key with Push Button Start and Remote Start
RIVALS	Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Expedition

See previous generation models of the Durango:

Dodge Durango (2000-2005)

Dodge Durango (2005-2009)

Used Car Review - Dodge Durango (2000-2004)

Myk Belmonte explores this rather unnoticed 4x4 in the market.

2000-2004 Dodge Durango

History
Before the Philippine market got the pick-up truck based SUV fever just 10 years ago, the Yanks had theirs in the 70s to the 90s. Dodge was first in this trend with the Ramcharger based on the D Series/Ram pick-up trucks made available in 1974, Chevrolet's S-10 Blazer was based on its namesake S-10 pick-up truck first launched in 1983, and Ford's Bronco introduced in 1984 whose underpinnings were derived from the Ranger. The 90s era Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango are based from the Ranger and Dakota trucks respectively. The shift to crossovers plus the diminishing market for compact pick-up trucks had ended an era of these species in the US, except for the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe that are based on the Silverado.

Preceding the Ramcharger which was discontinued in 1993, the first generation Durango was first sold in 1998 only available in 4WD, with a 2WD option and a V6 engine followed suit the following year. Unlike the Blazer and Explorer, it did offer an optional third row seat which was an advantage especially larger SUVs like the Suburban and Expedition had them. While it was a popular pick, the end of its shelf life had refined SUVs entering to the scene, which necessitated a redesign for 2003.

The guys at Norkis Automotive Resources Corporation, who ditched Daewoo distribution in the early 2000s, launched the Durango in 2000. It was first available in 4WD with a 2WD version made available in October 2001. While the world has the second generation model available, Norkis sold them until 2004 with the following model being distributed by CATS Motors the following year.

Value and Costs
American SUVs aren't exactly known for their residual values, so expect to pick up a second hand Durango between P270,000-P450,000.

While parts availability may be limited due to the lack of support by Norkis, independent shops specializing Chryslers and American vehicles as a whole had spouted so be friends with them. Since this era of Chrysler vehicles aren't exactly known for their reliability, have a mechanic inspect the various parts so you'll have a worry free driving.

Exterior and Interior
Butch and brash, these are the words to describe the Durango's exterior. Although it may possess smaller dimensions as against the Expedition, it has imposing looks that will scare off other motorists. Park this one side by side with a 1997-2003 Dakota and you'll notice the similarities, which is because they share the same underpinnings.

Philippine market Durangos can accommodate 8 people, all front facing. The driver and the front passenger can move their legs, thanks to the automatic gear stick being situated behind the steering wheel. For those who wouldn't want to share seats upfront, the center console composed of two cupholders and some storage bins are present. While the gauges are big, radio and climate controls would require time to master as they are small.

Engine
In the US, there is an option for a sole V6 and two V8s, depending on the year model. In the local context, we do get the 4.7 V8 from the PowerTech engine family carrying 235hp at 4,800rpm and 379Nm at 3,200rpm which replaced the 5.2 Magnum V8 in the home market. Don't let the small displacement turn you off, it is more efficient than the engine it replaced plus it offers gobs of power from a wide range of power band.

Driving Impressions
Despite weighing 2,200kg and having a small V8 engine, the Durango can surpass the distance by providing safe steering but handling isn't a strength. Ride quality wouldn't be tops especially one must consider its truck based roots.

Verdict
If you prefer your SUV American and like your style brute, then a used Durango would suit your preference. However, do remember that there are shortcomings that you must accept during your ownership experience.
The Good:

• Spacious cabin
• Power
• Rugged looks

The Bad: 

• Thirsty for fuel
• Poor ride quality
• Handling isn't the best

The Pick: 4.7 V8

THE SPECS

Engine: 4,698cc PowerTech V8 gasoline

Power: 235hp @ 4,800rpm
Torque: 379Nm @ 3,200rpm
Fuel Consumption: 4-6km/L (city), 7-9km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear rigid axle with leaf springs

MORE INFO
Price (New): P2,700,000
Price (Now): P270,000-P450,000
Rivals: Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition
On Sale: 2000-2005
Resources:
http://www.dodgedurango.net/
http://www.durangoforumz.com/

Contacts:
North American Automotive Service Center - (02) 571-1593

Photos from http://olx.ph/46672806